- Bright Atanga, 18, sentenced to 18 months for phone theft near UMaT campus.
- He fled into a private compound and was caught by a mob before police intervened.
- Atanga admitted to the crime and was convicted on charges of unlawful entry and stealing.
- The case highlights growing concerns about student safety and petty crime in Tarkwa.
An 18-year-old student has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Tarkwa District Court Two for snatching a mobile phone near the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) campus. The convict, Bright Atanga, pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and stealing.
The incident occurred on April 14, 2025, when Atanga allegedly snatched a phone from a UMaT student and fled the scene. In an attempt to evade capture, he scaled a fence wall into a nearby compound at Nkamponase — a residential area close to the university — where he was apprehended by a mob.
Police responded to a distress call and rescued Atanga from the crowd, transporting him to the hospital for treatment before taking him into custody. Investigations revealed that Atanga had entered the compound without permission while being pursued by the victim.
The complainant, a local businessman, later reported that Atanga had jumped into his property during the chase. Atanga admitted to the theft and claimed the stolen phone was taken from him by the mob before police arrived.
Presiding Judge Isaac Osei Asare handed down the sentence after considering the facts and Atanga’s guilty plea. The case has sparked renewed attention on petty crime around university campuses and the risks faced by students and residents in high-traffic areas.
